Thursday, May 22

So you know how your dog is always complaining that you never take it anywhere? We’ve got the cure for that: the Mutt Mixer, 5-8 p.m. at Tivoli Village. The evening features vendors, trainers, sitters and even yoga for the pooch, and craft beer and food for you. TivoliVillageLV.com.

Friday, May 23

Think of today as the tipoff to your long Memorial Day weekend. Then think about how much you love barbecue. Now all you have to do is get out to Boulder City between 4 and 10 p.m. today, or from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. tomorrow, for the 10th annual Best Dam Barbecue Challenge. It’s free to the public and features a car show, games for the kiddies and loads of good eats. BestDamBarbecue.com.

Saturday, May 24

This weekend is an embarrassment of riches. Here, for example, we have an Ice Cream Festival, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Springs Preserve amphitheater. It’s all you can eat, so skip breakfast and plan to load up on sundaes, cones, floats, etc. There’s also stuff like pony rides to help settle your stomach. SpringsPreserve.org.

Sunday, May 25

Only once a year do balls and pins mesh so beautifully with rebellion: It’s time again for Punk Rock Bowling! The music portion of the festival is sold out, but you can still participate in auxiliary activities such as free movie matinees at noon Saturday-Monday. Get scooped on the gritty music scene, and then chat afterward with the filmmakers. Did we mention free popcorn? 21+, Backstage Bar & Billiards, PunkRockBowling.com/Movies.

Monday, May 26

It’s a day off and it’s the unofficial start of the summer season (pool party!), but there is actually a reason for the holiday. If, before diving into summertime, you’d like to pay your respects to all who died fighting for our country, here are three places to do it: Davis Memorial Park, 6200 S. Eastern Ave., 9 a.m.; Palm Mortuary, 9 a.m. at the Downtown location and 11 a.m. at the Henderson location; and the Southern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 1900 Veterans Memorial Dr. in Boulder City, 1 p.m.

Tuesday, May 27

Richard Hooker was Las Vegas’ urban arts coordinator for more than a decade, and now he’s contributing to the city’s art scene with his exhibition Pregnant Neon: A Tale of Conspicuous Devotion. Hooker’s mixed-media work is all built around a single word or phrase in neon, which is very Vegas. Through July 12 at the Sahara West Library. LVCCLD.org.

Wednesday, May 28

Hollywood too mainstream for you? Good thing the Vegas Indie Film Fest starts today at venues all over town. See what indie filmmaking looks like in Las Vegas, and maybe catch a rising star. Today through Saturday; visit VIFF.net for details.

Suggested Next Read

If you’re feeling fancy, slap on your favorite monochromatic duds for Carnage’s recurring black and white party at Marquee. And because we have your back: Remember that this theme usually implies the usage of black light, and neon undergarments are to be worn at your discretion.

Get to know the Life Is Beautiful acts. Learn about Downtown's new kaleidoscopic murals. Find tips on how to navigate schedule conflicts. And see what's on the mouthwatering menu. Here is Vegas Seven's guide to tasting, seeing and hearing all the festival has to offer, from the first afternoon set to the final headliner.